GARNER, N.C. — Dr. Andrew Garland Cook, a 73-year-old optometrist at MyEyeDr. in Garner, was arrested Friday after a year-long investigation into allegations of child sexual exploitation, according to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).
Cook was charged with 15 counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. Court documents reviewed by WRAL News reveal Cook had knowingly obtained and possessed child sexual abuse images.
The NC SBI coordinated with the Raleigh Police Department, Garner Police Department, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in the lengthy investigation.
🔍 Neighbor Reaction:
Ronnie Bennett, a neighbor of Cook, expressed shock at the arrest.
“We were completely blown out of the water,” said Bennett, adding he saw a significant law enforcement presence at Cook’s home about seven months ago.
Bennett recalled seeing a woman — believed to be Cook’s girlfriend — moving out on the same day but said he never discussed the matter with Cook.
“It’s just sad that somebody would get to this point,” he added.
🚨 Legal Update:
Cook was booked into the Wake County Detention Center and later released on a $100,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.
WRAL News attempted to contact Cook and representatives from MyEyeDr., but no responses were received at the time of reporting.
